Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) vs Vocabria (cabotegravir)

Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) is a combination antiretroviral medication typically used for the treatment and prevention of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients; it is taken orally once daily and is known for having a favorable safety profile with lower risks to bone and kidney health compared to older formulations. Vocabria (cabotegravir), on the other hand, is an integrase inhibitor used for the treatment of HIV-1 in adults, and it can be administered as an oral tablet for short-term use or as a long-acting injectable given every month or every two months, providing an option for those who prefer less frequent dosing. When deciding between the two medications, considerations include dosing frequency preference, potential side effects, drug interactions, and individual health factors such as kidney function and bone health, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Difference between Descovy and Vocabria

Metric	Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)	Vocabria (cabotegravir)
Generic name	Emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide	Cabotegravir
Indications	HIV-1 infection prevention and treatment	HIV-1 infection treatment
Mechanism of action	Reverse transcriptase inhibitors	Integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)
Brand names	Descovy	Vocabria
Administrative route	Oral	Oral, injectable
Side effects	Nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue	Fever, fatigue, headache, musculoskeletal pain
Contraindications	Patients with unknown or positive HIV-1 status	Hypersensitivity to cabotegravir
Drug class	Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)	Integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)
Manufacturer	Gilead Sciences	ViiV Healthcare

Efficacy

Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide) for HIV/AIDS

Descovy, which contains emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, is an antiretroviral medication used in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It is designed to inhibit the action of the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which is crucial for the replication of HIV. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Descovy in reducing the viral load in individuals infected with HIV to undetectable levels when used in combination with other antiretroviral agents. This suppression of viral replication helps in maintaining the immune function and reducing the risk of HIV-related illnesses.

Descovy is also approved for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection in at-risk populations. Studies have shown that when taken consistently, Descovy is highly effective in reducing the risk of contracting HIV from sex by about 99% when used with condoms and other prevention methods. It is important to note that Descovy is not a cure for HIV/AIDS but a part of a comprehensive treatment strategy to manage the virus and improve the quality of life for those infected.

Vocabria (cabotegravir) for HIV/AIDS

Vocabria, containing the active ingredient cabotegravir, is a newer antiretroviral medication used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Cabotegravir is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor that prevents the integration of viral DNA into the human genome, an essential step in the HIV replication cycle. Vocabria is typically used in combination with other antiretroviral drugs to maximize its efficacy. In clinical trials, cabotegravir has shown a high level of effectiveness in reducing HIV viral load, often achieving undetectable levels when used as part of an antiretroviral therapy regimen.

Additionally, Vocabria is available as a long-acting injectable formulation, which provides an alternative to daily oral medication. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have difficulty adhering to a daily pill regimen. The long-acting injectable form of cabotegravir, in combination with another long-acting medication, has been shown to maintain viral suppression with dosing intervals of up to two months. This has the potential to improve adherence and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Descovy

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Health Canada
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Medsafe (NZ)

Vocabria

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Health Canada
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia

Access Descovy or Vocabria today

If Descovy or Vocabria are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

Buy Descovy

Buy Vocabria

How it works

Make an enquiry

Choose the medicine you want to buy, answer a couple of questions, and upload your prescription to speed things up. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Breeze through the paperwork

We'll guide you through the required documents for importing unapproved medicine, ensuring you have all the necessary information.

Get a personalized quote

We’ll prepare a quote for you, including medicine costs and any shipping, administrative, or import fees that may apply.

Receive your medicine

Accept the quote and we’ll handle the rest - sourcing and safely delivering your medicine.

Some text on this page has been automatically generated. Speak to your physician before you start a new treatment or medication.

Let's talk

If you have any questions, call us or send us a message through WhatsApp or email: